I have the same experience with my family. I think they just don't know what to say or do. For years my family never knew when I was hospitalized. I found them profoundly clueless and totally unsupportive. They seemed to walk on eggshells around me, afraid they might say the wrong thing and push me over the edge. Don't think they don't care. They usually do but don't know how to be supportive. I also think some of my family didn't want to even think about mental illness in the family. Oh what shame. LOL. I just let them stay ignorant about my problems. After many secret hospitalizations my T convinced me to allow her talk on the phone with one family member. It was effort to get my family involved and supportive. It didn't accomplish the goal but my T did tell me that the family had no idea I had been hospitalized ever and 10 times in 3 years just blew them away. So you are not unique in that situation. Many friends and family just don't know what to do or say.

Also, some are not supportive because they are afraid they might be asked to get involved--like family group therapy. And they are not at the place in their lives to address their own demons. Or they are afraid your problems will stir up their own internal chaos.